So: The Hebrew has only the common conjunction here, but the context seems to require some kind of logical connector. Jewish Publication Version has “therefore.” That is, as a result of her conversation with Adonijah, Bathsheba acted in the manner described in this verse.

Here the Hebrew is quite clear that Bathsheba is speaking to Solomon on behalf of Adonijah and not “about” him. See the comments on the previous verse.

The king rose to meet her: Normally the king would remain seated when someone else entered the room. But out of respect for his mother, Solomon got up and moved toward her when she came into the room.

Bowed down to her: This was an additional sign of Solomon’s courtesy toward his mother (see 1 Kgs 1.16). Both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation follow the Masoretic Text here. In place of bowed down to her, the Septuagint reads “kissed her,” and this is followed by New English Bible, though Revised English Bible follows the Masoretic Text. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives an {A} rating to the Masoretic Text, which should be followed here.

Had a seat brought for the king’s mother: The king’s mother is Solomon’s birth mother. In many languages it will be most natural to translate “his mother” (so Contemporary English Version) rather than reflecting the impersonal wording of the Hebrew and Revised Standard Version.

According to the Revised Standard Version translation, the king had a seat brought for his mother. The Hebrew noun for seat, however, is the same as that rendered throne in this same verse; and in nearly all occurrences in the Old Testament this Hebrew noun refers to royal thrones. New Revised Standard Version correctly says “and had a throne brought for the king’s mother” (similarly Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Living Translation).

She sat on his right: The right side was a place of honor (Psa 45.9; 110.1). Several translations (Contemporary English Version, La Bible du Semeur) indicate in a footnote that the right side was the place of honor. It may be possible also to make this information explicit in the translation as follows: “she sat down at the place of honor at his right.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .